Utopia: An imaginary island described in a book of the same name by Sir Thomas More (1516) as having a perfect political and social system. Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Third Edition, 1996 (ah, graduate school).
When the Age of Conversation or similar memes are written about, I think of utopia. The promise of an ideal community where everyone respects each other, intellectual discourse occurs, and differences may happen, but with respect and understanding. When fences break, they are mended. In the end, patience, kindness, tolerance and forgiveness reign.
The W List/PR Power Women discussion about a united community really revolved around this idea of utopian community. Or as fellow marketing blogger friends have communicated, a world where pink, blue and green gumballs can be different, but in the end they all taste the same.
To get there we had discourse, including some tumultuous, painful and humbling exchanges. But in the end we felt differences needed to be set aside; that relationships and respect for each other as human beings supersedes being right.
As I ponder how our ideal community concept fairs in the larger blogosphere, a sense of wariness fills me. And then hope.
Yes, the age of conversation has brought great promise, and what may go down in history as the Second Age of Enlightenment. But this great promise exists largely within in our little bubble of marketing, technology, business and associated social media bloggers.
The larger blogosphere has many conversations. And some are downright sinister (Warning: This links to a neo-Nazi site). A great many more are in native languages other than English. In many ways, utopia is fractured by the same civil and militant differences that have and continue to cause strife in our brick & mortar world. My friends, we have a long way to go to achieve the promise of the blogosphere.
Fractures and Openness
In Republics, the great danger is that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority – James Madison
It’s a reality of fragmented 21st century media environments: Citizens are empowered to view and speak in audio, video or plain old text. Consider 100+ channels of cable, millions of Internet channels and conversations, social networks and sub-networks of just about any topic imaginable.
Every unique religion, language, sexual orientation, creed, race, special interest and segment has a voice. We are free to say whatever we want. And tell the world, too.
While our message of great understanding spreads forth, new forces enter the blogosphere. Big businesses, religious extremists of all faiths, hate mongers, totalitarian regimes, those living in fear, and yes, just normal people who prefer the history channel, e, Oprah or ESPN. Many people have their particular unique interest(s), and don’t care for or perhaps even respect his/her fellows.
For the most part everyone stays in their own yard focused on their interests, languages, faiths, etc. It’s when we cross pollinate that the fireworks occur. The issue becomes more apparent when we have our flair outs like Kathy Sierra, and on a larger scale when cultures clash. Fractures become permanent divides, and hate and resentment become engrained deep in the souls of men and women.
But with the right approach, these fireworks can be turned into opportunities. This is when healing, growth and yes, progress towards utopian ideals can be made. Openness of view and transparent discussion can lead to greater understanding.
The Conversation Salve
As you enter this life, I pray you depart with a wrinkled face and a brand new heart -Bono/U2, Love and Peace or Else.
The good news is that these many diverse views are out in the open and transparent. Conversation can be volatile because we are truly free to say what we want. And freedom to say what you want without repercussion may be the real utopia.
To make the larger blogosphere an instrument for greater peace we must first learn to respect that not everyone will or needs to see it our way. It’s better to drop the rock, and respect each other as humans… Even walk away rather than let things get to the point where fractures become divides, or divides grow wider. Isn’t it better to be happy than right?
Conversation can resume another day. Life and time can bear more experience on parties. Education occurs, governments and politics change, wars occur, children are born… A great plethora of interactions and influences can alter views. Even just a few hours to cool off can make a great difference.
Relationships must become paramount, and while we can continue to disagree, in the end we may remain together in spirit. Or we can simply walk away and respect that person’s right to see things their way. This allows for civil conversation, which can lead to much-desired greater understanding and growth for all of us.
Not everyone wants peace, understanding or growth. They want to be right. So they won’t come to the table, instead preferring the great divide. But out here there are no weapons other than words and access. Let them go. They may come back in two days or 20 years. Or maybe never.
With the right attitude, just maybe some new parties will come to the table for a conversation. When they come let us embrace them as sisters and brothers with words of patience, tolerance, kindness and love. Then hope will spread.
When we remember to speak words that are true, kind and constructive, we nourish a beautiful flower in our hearts, and we can offer its sweet fragrance to everyone – Thich Nhat Hanh
A lot of things have been running through my mind this week but what I want to talk about is a combination of Brian Solis’ excellent piece earlier this week on sociology, technology and social media. And Facebook.
Showing Love Increases PR Influence:
PR has Social Media "Buffet" Problem:
Crisis Communications for the Social Web:
Network Solutions Changes Perceptions With New Actions:
Facebook Fan Page Best Practices:
Conversation Starters: A Modern View of Messaging: